Average IQ in Wisconsin
Average IQ
102.9
US Ranking
#10
of 50 states
Region
Midwest
Note: State-level IQ estimates are derived from standardized test scores (NAEP, SAT, ACT) and demographic data. They reflect population-level trends influenced by education funding, socioeconomic factors, and demographics — not the intelligence of any individual resident.
About Wisconsin's IQ Ranking
Wisconsin ranks in the top 10 thanks to its strong public education tradition, well-regarded university system (UW-Madison is a top research university), and German/Scandinavian cultural heritage that emphasizes education and community investment. The state has traditionally had strong teacher unions and above-average education spending.
What Shapes Wisconsin's Cognitive Profile
Act 10, the 2011 law that curtailed collective bargaining for teachers, triggered waves of retirements and reshaped the teaching profession in Wisconsin more than in any neighboring state, and researchers still debate its effects on instructional quality. Milwaukee operates the nation's oldest urban voucher program, running since 1990, which makes the city a long-term natural experiment in school choice. On NAEP, Wisconsin has repeatedly recorded the largest Black-white achievement gap in the country, concentrated in Milwaukee, even as statewide averages stay above the national mean. Epic Systems in Verona has grown into one of the Midwest's largest software employers, hiring thousands of recent graduates annually and slowing the outflow of UW-Madison talent toward Chicago and the coasts. The Fox Valley's papermaking economy has contracted steadily, pressuring school budgets in former mill towns. Marquette and the Medical College of Wisconsin add private research capacity in Milwaukee. The estimated statewide average masks a Dane County population whose attainment rivals Boston suburbs.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Wisconsin vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 102.9 | #10 |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 |
| Iowa | 103.2 | #8 |
| North Dakota | 102.7 | #10 |
| Nebraska | 101.4 | #15 |
| South Dakota | 101.4 | #15 |
| Kansas | 101.7 | #16 |
| Illinois | 100.1 | #22 |
| Ohio | 99.8 | #24 |
| Michigan | 99.4 | #25 |
| Missouri | 99.5 | #26 |
| Indiana | 99.3 | #27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's estimated average IQ is 102.9, ranking #10 nationally. The state's strong public education tradition and University of Wisconsin system contribute to consistently high educational outcomes.
Why does Wisconsin perform well educationally?
Wisconsin benefits from a strong public education tradition, well-funded schools, the flagship UW-Madison research university, and cultural values rooted in German and Scandinavian immigrant heritage that emphasize education and community.
How does Wisconsin compare to Minnesota?
Wisconsin (102.9) is close to but slightly below Minnesota (103.7). Both upper Midwest states share similar educational values and traditions, with Minnesota's slightly stronger performance possibly reflecting higher education spending.
Explore Other States
Take our free IQ test to see how you compare, or learn what IQ actually measures.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.